Can't look but so much when there isn't anything there. There is no Safety pool in FA this year. We are most definitely going to have to address this issue in the draft, and I am okay doing that.

Well, here's the thing: there IS a pretty nice safety pool out there, especially since the Redskins' standards are merely someone who can play the position.

But the Redskins have focused their free agent efforts on:

1) Players 28 years old and younger
2) Not having to deal with Landry's sh-t anymore.

And that closes the market considerably, to the point where you could entertain the notion that the Redskins beat themselves before it opened. I get why Meriweather: physically superior to other guys on the market and replaces what they thought they had in Landry. But it's a significant down grade, and the $2.5 million of cap room it will take to add him limits what other moves the team can make.

So while it's cheap, it also forces their hand.

__________________ according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

we get that you never liked Laron Landry. Stll, Landry always plays hard, while Meriweather is known to take plays off.

Like has nothing to do with it. LL has the physical ability to be the best safety have ever played this game. What did Ed Reed do when he first came into the league? He spent a many of nights over at Ray Lewis house watching film and learning. Have we heard anything of the sort from LL? All we hear from LL is how he's getting his swole on at the gym. He plays the position with no discipline (much like Meriweather) and fancies the big hits instead of the sound tackling. It doesn't help when you get up and start flexing after you just gave up a 25 yard first down either. /facepalm

Like has nothing to do with it.

__________________ "So let me get this straight. We have the event of the year on TV with millions watching around the world... and people want a punt, pass, and kick competition to be the halftime entertainment?? Folks, don't quit your day jobs."- Matty

I have the feeling this season, we may have to outscore our opponents. We'll be unleashing the deep ball on our opponents (with success) and they'll be trying to do it to us. Our front 7 will be rock solid, so they'll need to attack our lack of safeties and our ball-hawking CB who goes for interceptions over tackles at times.

Should be a fun season though.

I get the same feeling.

__________________ according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

That's who he is. I don't think I've ever seen him happy about the team. We have a tiny core of inhouse pessimists and he's one of them. I am not sure how anyone who never actually roots for a team can consider themselves a fan of the team. They write long-winded posts trying to prove themselves right instead of joining in on the online tailgating party that brings us all here together.

Exactly well put. It is not just GTripp I am frustrated with. I don't know what else folks want from this team; they seem to be doing everything they can to field a winner.

They are just complaining to to complain.

When they go to heaven they will probably complain the clouds are to fluffy.

__________________When life gives you paper jams, turn them into paper footballs!

Like has nothing to do with it. LL has the physical ability to be the best safety have ever played this game. What did Ed Reed do when he first came into the league? He spent a many of nights over at Ray Lewis house watching film and learning. Have we heard anything of the sort from LL? All we hear from LL is how he's getting his swole on at the gym. He plays the position with no discipline (much like Meriweather) and fancies the big hits instead of the sound tackling. It doesn't help when you get up and start flexing after you just gave up a 25 yard first down either. /facepalm

Like has nothing to do with it.

That is a problem of 'liking' him though. And I make fun of him as much as anyone for those antics. But I also agree with analysis like this one that suggests he's underrated by Redskins fans. And I think the Steeler fans who mocked the MNF crew in 2010 for comparing him to Polamalu were being far too arrogant about the differences.

Ultimately, the reason they're letting him go elsewhere isn't because he's not important, but because they tired of his injuries and antics. I would argue that they're paid as coaches and front office guys and trainers to manage prima dona athletes, but maybe they're just collecting a paycheck.

Either way, we're apparently going to try to outscore teams next year, so this discussion is probably all moot.

__________________ according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Well, here's the thing: there IS a pretty nice safety pool out there, especially since the Redskins' standards are merely someone who can play the position.

But the Redskins have focused their free agent efforts on:

1) Players 28 years old and younger
2) Not having to deal with Landry's sh-t anymore.

And that closes the market considerably, to the point where you could entertain the notion that the Redskins beat themselves before it opened. I get why Meriweather: physically superior to other guys on the market and replaces what they thought they had in Landry. But it's a significant down grade, and the $2.5 million of cap room it will take to add him limits what other moves the team can make.

So while it's cheap, it also forces their hand.

While I don't like Meriweather personally, you aren't going to tell me that resigning LaRon would be any cheaper, and at least he will be on the field for a chance to compete. How is that a down grade? LaRon refuses surgery, and I am quite confident, that because of that he will have another injury plagued season this year. So for those two reasons alone you argument is invalid.

Exactly well put. It is not just GTripp I am frustrated with. I don't know what else folks want from this team; they seem to be doing everything they can to field a winner.

But until they consistently target a higher grade of player either in talent or character in free agency, I don't understand how you can say this.

I realize it's much easier to get angry at me than to get angry at the team, but they are simply NOT doing everything they can to field a winner.

That's the big point here. They're playing hardball on contracts with Fletcher and giving last chances to Brandon Meriweather.

At the end of the day, I think the Redskins, like 31 other teams are just a bunch of guys trying to do their jobs. But I would disagree that all teams do their jobs equally well. And too often, I think they lose sight of the ultimate goal of winning and get caught in petty battles with veteran players.

You're free to totally disregard that opinion as useless, I could care less.

__________________ according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

While I don't like Meriweather personally, you aren't going to tell me that resigning LaRon would be any cheaper, and at least he will be on the field for a chance to compete. How is that a down grade? LaRon refuses surgery, and I am quite confident, that because of that he will have another injury plagued season this year. So for those two reasons alone you argument is invalid.

No, I would not try to tell you LaRon would be cheaper.

The big question is: what is he competing with? Who are the Redskins bringing in to make Meriweather earn his way onto the field?

To react to this signing before we have those important details is difficult.

__________________ according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Other than the pleasure of arguing with Tripp, what's the worry here? That the skins are done with improving their secondary? Really? Why think that?

As for Laron, it's not just the injuries, I'm afraid. He's a quirky dude, no doubt--great when on the field, but odd off of it. The issue here is about the proper treatment for his Achilles--he went with a "holistic" non-surgery option. I think the skins decided that wasn't worth the risk, at least at the outset. I'd like to have him back, but not at big money, given the risks. It sucks. But I don't think the skins FO is out to lunch here.

But until they consistently target a higher grade of player either in talent or character in free agency, I don't understand how you can say this.

I realize it's much easier to get angry at me than to get angry at the team, but they are simply NOT doing everything they can to field a winner.

That's the big point here. They're playing hardball on contracts with Fletcher and giving last chances to Brandon Meriweather.

At the end of the day, I think the Redskins, like 31 other teams are just a bunch of guys trying to do their jobs. But I would disagree that all teams do their jobs equally well. And too often, I think they lose sight of the ultimate goal of winning and get caught in petty battles with veteran players.

You're free to totally disregard that opinion as useless, I could care less.

Then why stay a fan? Go find another team. You live in fawking MI what does it matter.

__________________When life gives you paper jams, turn them into paper footballs!